life on LA's westside

Our Home: The Befores

Hiya everyone, and Happy [belated] New Year!

I have been holed up for the past bit, working on some fun TV spots (thanks, Superbowl), traveling for the holidays, and then working on the house in any other sliver of free time. Let's just say, things continue to be busy around the Wilson house!

Speaking of our house...I know a handful of you out there have been anxiously (and patiently, thank you) awaiting to see posts about our house. Now that we are winding down on renovations, and I feel like the possibility of having a life is slowly seeping back into my future, I thought it was about time to at the very least, post some Before photos.

BEFORE

Our townhouse was a short sale, and that process can be grueling! We were very fortunate to have had only a 4 month timeline, as opposed to the 8 - 12 months it sometimes takes. I'll write more about the short sale process some other time...

Built in the 1980s, the overall space wasn't bad, but the kitchen and baths were very dated. Some other details had been more recently renovated (popcorn ceilings removed, can lights installed, etc.) which saved us a ton of time and money. The conditions were definitely livable, but we knew if we ever wanted to do big renos it would easier to do them all at once, at the beginning, while we're not living there--if at all possible. So, we went for it!

There were some questionable decor choices, like the plasticky-bright cherry red laminate floors in the main living space, that we couldn't wait to rip out. I promise it looks cleaner and nicer in pictures--everything was pretty grungy in person...and so many shades of beige. Yikes.

We love the open downstairs layout, it's prime for entertaining. And we have a powder room/laundry room on the main floor--yippee!

The kitchen reno is a whole saga unto itself. Here it is in its untouched glory. Luckily we inherited these appliances, so that was a nice bonus.

Remember when I said the place was grungy? Check out these grody stairs. We hated that the carpet wrapped over the edge. And there was some seriously funky dirt going on--carpet was the first thing to go!

Upstairs are two really good size bedrooms and two baths. Great bones, but eeesh--project time! Here's the Master...

And the pukey-green guest room...

Hello cute husband!

I can't wait to tell you more details about our reno process, and show you our progress in photos. Let's just say, it's looking quite a bit better these days and we are thrilled! Be back with more soon!

hi, i'm lauren.

it's no secret i think LA's westside is the bestside. on the blog we'll talk food, home decor, stuff to do around town, and all things related to building a home in this crazy city of mine. they say write what you know, so here goes!